Maximum Magnification

If you want to capture the best possible macro photos, you must have a true macro lens.

Let me explain:

All lenses have a maximum magnification. That is, if you try to focus on an object that’s close to them, there’s a point where they just…stop. They can’t focus any closer.

Now, some lenses don’t have a very good maximum magnification. They can’t do close focusing. And this is a huge problem for macro photographers, because good macro photography gets really, really close to the subject (in order to capture gorgeous detail).

Other lenses, however, will get you very close to the subject. And true macro lenses will get you the best magnification of all:

Focal Length

The working distance is the gap between the front element of the lens and your subject at 1:1 magnifications.

Basically, a lens with a huge working distance lets you take high magnification images…

…while far away from your subject.

Whereas a lens with a small working distance requires that you get very close to your subject in order to take a stunning macro photo.

When it comes to insect macro photography, a large working distance is essential. If you get too close to the insect, it’ll fly away, after all!

Flower and still-life photographers, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need a longer working distance. In fact, a smaller working distance allows for a more intimate perspective.

Now, focal length and working distance are related in one major way:

The greater the focal length, the larger the working distance.

So a 200mm macro lens will have a much larger working distance than a 60mm macro lens.

To sum up:

If you want to shoot macros of insects (or animals), you need a longer focal length. In the 150mm to 200mm range will work well.

If you want to shoot macros of flowers or inanimate objects, a shorter focal length will do the trick. Something in the 60mm to 105mm range.

Handling

Macro photography involves working at high magnifications.

And high magnifications?

They magnify camera shake.

One way to deal with this problem is to use a tripod. A rock-solid tripod will get you sharp macro photos, consistently. And this works well for more deliberate, stationary macro photographers.

However, some macro photographers (myself included) prefer to photograph while on the move. These macro photographers like to change angles often, change compositions, and be more flexible in the field.

Does that sound like you?

If so, you’re going to need a lens that handles well. One that’s not too heavy (to handhold for long periods). Ideally, you’ll want a lens that offers image stabilization.

(Image stabilization is a technology that decreases camera shake. Nikon refers to this as vibration reduction, or VR.)

If you want to be a more flexible macro photographer, you have to choose your lens especially carefully. Because you need to be able to take close-up shots, even in low light.

Image Quality

A great macro lens offers great image quality.

And great image quality consists of two main things:

Sharpness

Gorgeous bokeh

In macro photography, the sharper the lens, the better. Because you want to show as much detail as possible.

You also want beautiful, creamy bokeh.

(Bokeh refers to background blur. The smoother the background blur, the better.)

If you can find a Nikon macro lens that offers both sharp photos and beautiful bokeh, then your potential for gorgeous shots goes up–astronomically.

Which brings me to the real question:

What are the best macro lenses for Nikon DSLRs (in 2019)?

1. The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Micro VR

Best for: Flower photographers looking for the best image quality available

First, the image quality is, without a doubt, stunning. This lens is sharp. Ridiculously sharp.

It’ll get you crystal clear images across the board–starting from its wide open aperture of f/2.8. Plus, it captures beautifully rendered, contrasty images.

Not to mention the bokeh. Smooth. Creamy. Like chocolate.

What else?

This lens comes with vibration reduction, promising an extra four stops of shooting in low light. For macro photographers who like to shoot handheld, this is essential. Most macro lenses are borderline useless in low light–unless they include VR.

It’s a true macro lens, which means that it offers life-size (1x) magnification.

And while I do almost all my macro shooting handheld, I love that the autofocus speed is extremely fast.

A couple of final points:

The build quality is impressive. This lens will last a long time.

The Nikon 105mm VR offers internal focusing–so you won’t have to deal with an extending front lens element. When you’re working at high magnifications, this is a real benefit.

For any serious macro shooters looking to do flower photography, the Nikon 105mm micro is the way to go.

First, image quality is superb. This lens is mind-blowingly sharp, even at f/2.8, where lenses traditionally struggle. Yes, there is occasionally a bit of chromatic aberration (fringing) when shooting contrasty scenes at the widest apertures–but it’s nothing that a bit of post processing won’t fix.

Bokeh is stunning. This lens will repeatedly get you photos that have backgrounds made of chocolatey goodness. It’s a great option for those looking to do macro photography of still subjects, such as flowers.

That said, this lens is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Nikon 105mm VR, and there are a few reasons why.

First, the build quality.

The Tamron 90mm macro is mostly plastic–and you can feel it. This shouldn’t be an issue, as long as you treat it well. But for those who have a tendency to bang up your equipment, a lens like this probably isn’t the right decision.

Second, the Tamron 90mm macro doesn’t offer image stabilization. If you shoot with a tripod, this won’t be an issue. But if you prefer to work handheld, this could cause some problem when shooting in low light.

Finally, the Tamron 90mm macro focuses externally. This means that the lens extends as you twist the focus ring. And this can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’re working at very close distances.

That said, for the price, this lens is an incredible option. It’ll guarantee you professional-quality images.

3. Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX OS Macro

Best For: Photographers who want to photograph insects without breaking the bank

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX OS Macro is the first long macro on this list. At 150mm, it offers enough focal length to shoot insects–without being ridiculously heavy.

That said, this Sigma isn’t exactly light. You’re not going to want to carry it around on casual outings. If you can get away with the smaller Nikon 105mm VR, I’d go with that, instead.

Now, build quality on the Sigma 150mm macro is solid. You won’t feel like this is an overly fragile lens, though you should be careful, as it’s not weather sealed.

Lenses this size are tough to handhold. The Sigma 150mm macro isn’t in the same league as, say, the Nikon 200mm f/4 (shown below). But it would be tough to handhold at lower shutter speeds–if it wasn’t for the optical stabilization, that is! The added OS makes handholding feasible, even in low light.

As for the image quality?

Stunning.

Like most macro lenses, the Sigma 150mm macro is extremely sharp. That’s from f/2.8 and onward. If you were worried about getting professional-quality shots with a third-party lens, don’t. Because the Sigma has you covered.

Bokeh is beautiful. Macro photographers will appreciate the compression that comes from a 150mm focal length. This results in a lovely background blur.

The gorgeous bokeh, combined with the excellent sharpness, makes this lens a powerful macro contender.

Especially for those insect photographers who don’t want to pay for the Nikon 200mm f/4D or the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 macro.

So if you’re looking to capture stunning insect macros (or if you’re a flower photographer who wants to add a long lens to their arsenal), the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 may be the way to go.

5. Nikon 200mm f/4D Micro

This lens is unbelievably sharp. It’s sharp at across the board, even at the corners. You literally could not choose a sharper lens.

It also offers incredible bokeh.

For insect photographers, this lens is perfect. The working distance, even at life-size (1x) magnifications, is an impressive 10.2 inches (26 cm). You can capture beautiful, detailed photos of bugs–without scaring them off.

This lens is also built like a tank. If you’re the type of photographer who lets your equipment take a beating, don’t worry.

Unfortunately, the metal body comes with a downside: the hefty weight. The Nikkor 200mm micro is just over 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg). This makes handholding in the field quite tough. Add to that the lack of VR, and you’re looking at a lens that requires a tripod in low light (or some very steady hands).

Plus, autofocusing is rather slow. If you like to focus manually, this isn’t an issue. But just be warned.

Here’s the bottom line:

If you’re an insect photographer who requires ultimate sharpness, and you have a lot of money to spend…

The Best Macro Lens for Nikon: Next Steps

Now you know the absolute best macro lenses out there.

Every lens on this list will get you incredible, professional-quality shots.

As long as you know how to use it, that is!

Also…

If you’re interested in discovering some secrets, tips, and tricks for gorgeous macro photography, sign up for my newsletter. I’ll send you exclusive content–all designed to get you shooting stunning macros, as fast as possible.

Jaymes is a nature photographer and photography writer/editor from Ann Arbor, Michigan. His articles have been featured by a number of leading photography publications, including Digital Photography School, Expert Photography, and PetaPixel. To read more about him, click here!